Underarm odor (Bromhidrosis) is the unpleasant odor produced by secretions from the apocrine sweat glands in the armpits. After being excreted and broken down by bacteria, it is commonly known as body odor. Currently, underarm odor can be removed clinically through surgical procedures, laser treatments, and botulinum toxin injections. The effects of surgical and laser treatments generally last for more than 10 years, while the effects of botulinum toxin injections typically last for 3-6 months.
Applicable people
Underarm odor removal is suitable for people with underarm odor, including congenital hereditary underarm odor and underarm odor caused by excessive endocrine function during adolescence.
Taboo groups
1. Those who suffer from lung disease or have undergone thoracic surgery.
2. People with infectious diseases or other body inflammations.
3. Women during menstruation, pregnancy and lactation.
4. Those with psychological disorders or mental abnormalities.
5. Those who have unrealistic demands and are overly superstitious about the effects of surgery.
6. Those with severe chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes that are not under control.
7. Patients with a history of coagulation disorders or long-term use of anticoagulants.
8. People with scar hyperplasia constitution.
9. People whose sweat glands are not fully developed.
Technical/surgical risks
1. Skin necrosis: A small number of people have skin necrosis, which is caused by improper compression to stop bleeding or poor drainage of hematoma. It may also be caused by excessive trimming of subcutaneous tissue, which makes the skin thinner and the blood circulation poor. It requires timely medical treatment.
2. Residual odor: Since the apocrine glands are not removed through a large incision, the subcutaneous apocrine gland layer may not be completely removed. Therefore, odor may still remain. In this case, mild odor can be removed by applying topical axillary odor treatment without the need for another surgery.
3. Incomplete cure: Since suction curettage is difficult to cure severe axillary odor, excision should be used. In addition, most people have mild axillary pigmentation after surgery, which does not require treatment and will gradually disappear.
4. Hematoma: This is caused by damage to small blood vessels during suction and scraping. Hematoma should be removed promptly and re-bandaged.
5. Subcutaneous adhesion: Some cases may experience subcutaneous adhesion within 3 months, causing a tight and uncomfortable sensation, but without obvious scarring. Adhesions will gradually subside over time.
Postoperative care
Taking laser removal of axillary odor as an example, postoperative care mainly includes local care, diet conditioning, and life behavior management.
1. Local care: Keep the armpits dry and clean; avoid using overheated water to clean the treated area within 48 hours after treatment; pay attention to sun protection to prevent sunburn and pigmentation.
2. Diet adjustment: Try to avoid eating greasy food and drink less alcohol.
3. Lifestyle behavior management: pay attention to personal hygiene, take a bath frequently, change underwear frequently; maintain a regular life, keep a stable mood, do not stay up late, do not smoke, and try to avoid strenuous exercise; follow the doctor’s advice for follow-up visits, and determine whether to continue treatment based on personal circumstances; if there are any adverse reactions, go to the hospital for follow-up visits in time.
Preoperative precautions
1. Communicate with doctors and patients, understand the complete surgical process and risks, and be mentally prepared.
2. Complete preoperative examinations, including routine blood tests, coagulation function tests, and other routine examinations to rule out surgical contraindications.
3. Stop taking anticoagulants as directed by your doctor before surgery.
4. Do not smoke or drink alcohol one week before the operation.
5. Maintain a light diet one week before the operation and avoid spicy and irritating foods.
6. Patients with hypertension and diabetes should inform their doctor of their condition during the face-to-face consultation.
7. Before surgery, make sure there are no infectious diseases or other body inflammations.
8. Stop using antiperspirants and deodorants one month before surgery.
9. Women should avoid menstruation, pregnancy and lactation periods.
10. Shave armpit hair and clean the area.
Surgical procedure
There are various methods for removing underarm odor, including surgery, laser treatment, and botulinum toxin injections. Surgical removal involves surgically removing the apocrine sweat glands in the armpits; botulinum toxin injections block the release of acetylcholine by injecting botulinum toxin; and laser treatment utilizes the thermal effects of lasers to destroy the secretory portion of the apocrine sweat glands. Laser treatment, used here as an example, primarily involves cleaning and disinfection, anesthesia, and irradiation.